Angela's Last Stand!

Hi, I'm Angela. Those of you who know me will be aware that I've been battling cancer for many years.

Of all the decisions I've made in my life, this is by far the hardest, to ask for help from family, friends and anybody who would like to chip in. I am setting up this page so that people can make donations, to provide funds for me to use for complementary cancer treatments to supplement the medications that the NHS provide. Such supplements (including repurposed medications) are intended to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, minimise side effects, support the micro-biome and so on. If I can raise enough money, I would love to do a liquid biopsy test which will tell me which chemo drugs are likely to be effective for me into the future. Obviously chemo with no benefit is the worst of all worlds yet I am informed that this test is not available on the NHS, nor is it likely to be in the near future.

For many years, I have studied ways to make this rocky road easier. (Thank goodness for Facebook groups of immensely kind and knowledgeable people who have helped me more than they can ever know!). I wholeheartedly believe that my supplements have helped me hugely and they continue to do so. But they get ever more expensive. I have shared the information I have gathered whenever anyone has asked. I was contacted by a lady who was writing a book on cancer to tell my story regarding modern oncology and its limitations, which I did with pleasure. 

Here's a brief outline; my cancer story began 19 years ago in 2005. It was a triple negative breast cancer on the left side, for which I underwent a mastectomy. I had been married to my beloved Richard for barely 3 years. 7 years later, a different cancer (hormone positive) appeared in the right breast. I had a lumpectomy but sadly, the margins of the surgery were not clear so I ended up having a second mastectomy. 

Then, late in 2018, I received the devastating news that the cancer had finally found its way round the protocol that I was on. It was now in many bones, including spine, hips, sternum and scapula as well as my liver. This was now stage 4, no longer with any real hope of cure. I would be on treatment for the rest of my life. A low point indeed, I researched ways to end it all. Luckily, I pulled myself out of that state of mind and I've had 5 very good years since then! I must accept however, that the treatment is now palliative, aiming to prolong life and hopefully maintain at least some quality of life.

It's now early 2024 and the cancer has yet again found its way around a more extensive protocol. I have significant progression of disease and have been moved from a hormone blocker to chemotherapy. It looks like I will be on chemo for the rest of my life. The drug I am currently taking requires a particular enzyme to break it down in the body. Unfortunately I am deficient in this enzyme (in fact among the bottom 3% of women) and can only take a half dose. So I will need my supplements more than ever to complement the chemo. Throughout my years with cancer, this has been a significant expense. I am now asking for help. Please believe me when I say this is a very difficult thing to do.

I am driven by my desire to keep going, to stay alive and to do everything I can to keep and improve my health into the future. A few days ago I lost my sister in law to cancer related treatment and her husband (Richard's brother) is bereft and distraught. This makes me realise more than ever that I am far from ready to leave my husband behind. Poor Richard has been affected by this disease as much as I have and almost from the beginning of our marriage. He has been right by my side every step of the way. He has been and continues to be my absolute rock. During our time together we have had many an adventure and met some lovely people along the way. We have dreams together as yet unfulfilled. With your help, hopefully my life can be extended and we can continue with our various escapades, hopefully for a good few years yet.

Any donation large or small will be most gratefully received and will be spent very carefully indeed. It would be enormously helpful if you would forward this to anyone else who you think may consider chipping in. Thank you.